
The lateral wall is directed posteriorly and allows for a wide field of view
but makes the eye prone to injury.
The zygomaticosphenoidal suture is the thinnest portion of the lateral
wall and a good point of entry during lateral orbitotomy
The lateral (marginal) orbital tubercle is a small bony prominence located
on the orbital surface of zygoma. It is the attachment for
o the aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris
o lateral palpebral ligament
o lateral check ligament.
Greater wing of the sphenoid separates the orbit from the middle cranial
fossa.
The roof is separated from the lateral wall in back by the superior orbital
fissure and in front by the frontozygomatic and frontosphenoidal sutures.
The inferior orbital fissure separates the posterior part of the floor from
the lateral wall.
CLINICAL NOTES: Refer to ZMC in the clinical notes section.
WEAK SPOTS IN THE ORBIT
The infraorbital groove and canal constitute weak spots in the floor of the
orbit. Another weak spot, as shown in is the thin bone ethmoid, which
separates the eye from the medial wall. Ethmoiditis in children may give rise to
orbital cellulitis, and severe contusion injuries can cause rupture of the medial
wall and periorbital crepitus.
The lacrimal fossa in the medial wall is also a weak spot. The fossa lies between
the anterior and posterior lacrimal crests and lodges the lacrimal sac, which is
continuous below with the nasolacrimal duct. The duct’s lower end opens into
the inferior meatus of the nose for drainage of tears when severe emotional
stress occurs.